South African pre-owned automobile consumers are getting scammed into shopping for junk as a result of they’re not doing their homework, a authorities company warns. The Gauteng Office of Consumer Affairs (GOCA) says it has acquired quite a few complaints about pre-owned automobiles.
GOCA launched a assertion on Wednesday 21 September expressing concern concerning the rising variety of complaints about pre-owned automobiles. Many consumers have discovered themselves caught with automobiles in unhealthy form after failing to examine the situations of the automobile earlier than shopping for them.
“Buying a second-hand car is cost-effective and can offer you the best value for your money. However, the value you get from the car depends on many factors, such as the condition of the vehicle, its market value and service history,” says Milly Viljoen, the company’s Director for Consumer Education, Awareness and Stakeholder Relations.
ALSO READ: Pre-owned automobiles are seeing a drop in native costs
Viljoen advises consumers to make the powerful selections earlier than setting foot on a showroom ground. What mannequin are you searching for? What goal will the automobile be used for? What automobiles fits my way of life? What is your price range? These are the questions you ought to be ready to reply earlier than talking to a automobile salesman.
“Once you have decided, make sure that you request a pre-agreement statement and quotation from car dealerships to compare costs such as delivery fee, roadworthy certificate fees, license and registration fees, and other additional fees.,” says Viljoen.
“Once you have decided, make sure that you request a pre-agreement statement and quotation from car dealerships to compare costs such as delivery fee, roadworthy certificate fees, license and registration fees, and other additional fees.”
Milly Viljoen, GOCA Director for Consumer Education, Awareness and Stakeholder Relations.
ALSO READ:Vehicle gross sales in South Africa are displaying some promising indicators
Watch who you’re shopping for your pre-owned automobile from
GOCA warns customers to purchase strictly purchase from respected dealerships that adjust to the Consumer Protection Act (CPA). You can verify this with the Motor Industry Ombudsman of South Africa (MIOSA). Gauteng could possibly be a hot-spot for non-compliant, unregistered dealerships, particularly in Johannesburg South, in accordance to a report by MIOSA.
Make positive the pre-owned automobile is roadworthy
The company advises consumers to Inspect the situation of the engine. “The engine is the most essential part that every buyer must check before buying a used car. It plays an essential role in the running and overall performance of a vehicle,” says Viljoen. This is what to verify within the engine:
Inspect the situation of the engine. The engine is probably the most important half that each purchaser should verify earlier than shopping for a used automobile. It performs a necessary function within the working and general efficiency of a automobile. Check the next:
Ø Starting issues. Delay in beginning of the engine is a widespread drawback in used automobiles.
Ø Check for head gasket and oil leaks,
Ø The automobile has a noticeable energy loss.
Ø The acceleration of the automobile appears sluggish and noisy.
Ø The automobile doesn’t simply keep excessive pace.
Ø There is smoke coming from the exhaust.
Ø There is an engine fault gentle on the dashboard.
Additionally it’s best to verify the automobiles odometer studying. Cars with a excessive mileage ought to usually be averted.
Know and shield your rights as a shopper
Ask for a Second-Hand Goods Act certificates, GOCA urges. If the used automobile dealership you’ve approached doesn’t have a Second-Hand Goods Act certificates, run. The certificates has to be brazenly displayed, and legitimate for the present 5-year interval. If you continue to scent a rat, verify with the native police station to verify the validity or the renewal interval of the certificates.
Consumers should additionally insist on a present Roadworthy certificates, which is legitimate for 60 days and examine the automobile’s service historical past. The automobile should have been maintained by a reliable service heart and its handbook stamped by an authorised workshop.
Reading and understanding all of the phrases and situations earlier than signing any sale settlement can also be key. You can lodge a criticism in case you are not happy with services acquired. First complain to the automobile dealership supervisor and if the matter is not resolved, lodge a criticism to MIOSA at data@miosa.co.za.
·Gauteng drivers may lodged a criticism to GOCA at 011 355 8006 or at shopper@gauteng.gov.za.
